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How Can I Avoid Back Issues On A Summer Road Trip?

Thinking about taking a road trip this summer? Would it put you in the driver’s seat for a half day or more? Spending time in the same seated position can take its toll on your back, shoulders and legs. And with recent studies discovering the negative effects of sitting too long, it is a good idea to have a strategy in mind before you leave. Following are a few tips for your trip, starting with your hot tub.

How can I use my hot tub to prepare and recover from travel in the car?

You can’t take your hot tub with you, but that does not mean it can’t give you an ideal beginning and conclusion to your trip.

How does a hot tub help relieve back pain?

Use the appropriate hot tub jets to target your lower back and your shoulders; two places that tend to tire when you spend hours in a car.

Your soak will also help put you in a pleasant, more relaxed state of mind. Anyone who is left in a rush knows how stressed you can feel at the beginning of a trip.

We think that starting your drive with a refreshed outlook, flexible muscles, loosened joints and a positive state of mind is the ideal way to start any vacation.

What else can I do on long road trips to alleviate back pain?

Here are some more ideas about how you can stay loose and alert during your drive:

Stop frequently.

You want to avoid sitting too long. Ideally, you would stop every 30 minutes to stretch and move around. Realistically, few people will take breaks that often, especially if you have miles to go before you sleep. Compromise. Try to stop at least every hour or two. Spend some time stretching your back and hamstrings, then walking and moving. The movement will stimulate circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients into your back. In between stops, try moving and stretching a little as you drive, but only when it is safe to do so. If you can, share the driving duties.

Take advantage of your car’s seat design.

Most modern car seats are highly adjustable, but we seldom take full advantage of them. Take the time to adjust your seat before a long drive and into a position that best supports your back and makes you feel as comfortable as possible.

Adjust the headrest.

For safety, the top of your car headrest should be at least eye level but preferably higher or level with the top of your head. It should be tilted at an angle of about an inch from your head. When you are a passenger, learn to let your head rest on it so that your neck can relax.

Use heated car seats for heat therapy if you have them.

If you are driving in summer, it is probably hot outside, and heated seats don’t sound very appealing. However, once you have cooled the interior air, consider using the seat warmer now and then to keep your back loose and comfortable. You might find that it is a great way to keep your back from stiffening up.

Remove your wallet from your back pocket.

Sitting on a thick wallet takes your posture out of balance, and can take its toll on your back, especially on a long trip. Removing it will help you keep your spine aligned.

Use cruise control.

On a long drive, your leg is held in a static position as you press the accelerator. If the highway you are driving is open enough for cruise control, it can give you the freedom to adjust your leg position.

What should I do after a long road trip to reduce back pain?

Is there a hot tub where you are staying? If so, take advantage of it and loosen up after a day of driving. If not, stretch and move around to loosen up your back once you arrive. If you have time, take a walk to warm your muscles up and stimulate circulation.

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Can I use my hot tub for cold water therapy as well?

Do you experience stiffness or pain during or after a long road trip?

Have you ever used your hot tub before or after, and how did it help?

Do you have any tips for staying loose while you drive?

We’d love to hear your experiences and any other ideas you can share in the comments below.